Massive blow for Arsenal as legend Brady - the man who nurtured Cole, Fabregas and Wilshere - reveals he's quitting next year

Arsenal have announced that Liam Brady, the head of their world-renowned youth academy, will leave his role in May 2014.

Brady, 56, has established the Gunners' academy as one of the finest in the game but has revealed his desire to leave to help recruit a successor and encourage a smooth transition.

During his time as Arsenal’s head of youth development, Brady has overseen the development of several future stars including Ashley Cole, Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs. Of the last 100 players to make their Arsenal debuts, 47 came directly through the club's academy.

Talent spotter: Brady has been pivotal in the success of Arsenal's academy system

The Gunners are to discuss potential roles with Brady, who has long been central to their talent-producing philosophy, to ensure he stays involved at the club.

Brady said: 'We don't want to spend £20million on a footballer we could produce here and Arsene (Wenger) doesn't have a fear of putting kids in the team.

'That's a tremendous comfort for someone in my position. He was always like that, going back to Nicolas Anelka and Jermaine Pennant.'

Midfield maestro: Liam Brady during his playing days

Student: Fabregas captained Arsenal before joining Barcelona

Present: Wilshere now pulls Arsenal's strings

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: 'Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level.

'He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal Football Club. It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created.'

BRADY'S BUNCH: PLAYERS PROMOTED FROM ACADEMY TO ARSENAL FIRST TEAM (SINCE THE ACADEMY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1998)